According to the National Institute of Mental Health, stress is the brain and body’s way of responding to any type of situation or challenge. From performance at work or school, to competing by taking a physical or mental test.
Additionally, stress can affect not only physical and mental health, but also the way people relate to each other. According to a study by Dartmouth College, in the United States, stress can decrease social interaction the day after feeling affected by physical or mental tension.
Megan Meyer, an assistant professor and study co-author, explained the article, which focused on how feeling stressed affects social interactions. “Our findings show that stressed people show less interest in socializing, this effect can persist for up to 48 more hours,” she said.
Previous analyzes have tried to analyze human behavior with data biased by the little research on the subject. For example, an app developed by study co-author Andrew Campbell made a first attempt at getting results on stress and social interaction.
The computer science professor at Dartmouth with his StudentLife app analyzed 99 college students (56% women and 44% men) to measure social interaction. Through questions, analysis of conversations and daily pressure from school, the tests revealed that at higher levels of stress, there is less social interaction the next day.
It was also found that more social interaction and less time spent at home significantly reduced stress, even in situations where students were overwhelmed by pressure. “This talks about the influence of stress on social interactions and how it affects our lives with others,” Campbell stressed.
Experts claim that stress is a risk factor for the onset of various physical and mental health conditions. In addition, it can trigger depression and other types of anxiety disorders; If this happens, people can be affected in their lives and everything around them.
As a result of this situation, coping with the impact of stress can be a challenge in the short, medium and long term. Specialists from the National Institute of Mental Health recommend exercising, setting daily goals and priorities, and if you can’t alone, seek professional help.
